As We Go On, We Remember: Ridge High Graduation 2010

As the Ridge High School Class of 2010 tosses its graduation caps high into the air and passes through the hallways of Ridge High for the last time, adorned in green and white robes and ill-fitting caps, every graduating senior struggles with conflicting emotions.

On one hand, we are relieved and excited to finally leave high school behind and enter the real world of relaxation, summer jobs and college. For years, we have looked forwards to the freedom and independence promised by high school graduation. As recent graduates, we feel that high school, with its forty-minute class periods, restrictive rules, and numerous assistant principals, is behind us and even below us.

However, I, at least, also think back fondly to my last twelve years as a student in Bernards Township. From Liberty Corner to William Annin to Ridge, I have always loved my teachers and classmates, and I have always recognized that I live in an exceptional town with exceptional students. And I'm sure that most of my classmates would agree that, even as we go on to our new lives at college and at large in the world, we will never forget that we were part of the Ridge High School Class of 2010.

Our grade has endured all the normal struggles of elementary, middle and high school. Like all students, we have met new people, remained close to our best friends for years, and occasionally lost touch only to reunite years later. We have grown from innocent elementary schoolers, to awkward middle school students, to relatively independent and self-aware high schoolers.

But in addition to all the typical challenges associated with school and social life, the class of 2010 has faced unique trials. We suffered through two years of construction at Ridge, but never even got to use the brand new 700 wing, as it was designated for freshmen. Last year, when we learned of the Board of Education's plan to cut the school day to eight periods, we appeared at the Board of Ed meeting in record numbers to express our concerns. And we have lived through two years of budget cuts and said goodbye to some of our most beloved teachers.

In addition to unity and determination, the class of 2010 has also demonstrated that it has exceptional talent. Members of our class have done amazingly well in sports, in visual arts, in music, in academics, in forensics, and in theater. I am certain that there are many members of our class who are going to change the world some day—in fact, there are many who already have.

So as I say my final goodbyes to teachers and classmates and they ask me if I am excited for college, I must say yes—because Ridge High School has truly prepared well for the years of college and life ahead of me. But at the same time, I have to admit that I am immeasurably sad that I will never again be able to call myself a Ridge High School student. High school has truly been a remarkable and unforgettable experience, and the people in the Ridge High Class of 2010 are exceptional and beautiful people, every one of them.

So I know that I will remain true to the lyrics of that Vitamin C song that haunts every middle and high school graduation: "And as we go on, we remember all the times we had together; and as our lives change, from whatever, we will still be friends forever."